Craving a comforting and flavorful dinner but short on time? Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana is your perfect solution! This easy and delicious recipe is ideal for busy parents or anyone who loves tasty meals without the hassle. Ready in just 20 minutes, it uses less oil while delivering all the rich flavors you adore.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 small garlic clove, sliced
- ½ onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
- 100g/3½oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil spray
- 1 basil sprig (or a small handful of basil leaves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 large free-range egg, beaten
- 50g/1¾oz panko breadcrumbs
- 15g/½oz Parmesan, finely grated
- 50g/1¾oz mozzarella, sliced
- Small handful parsley leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish
Method
1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
- Combine Ingredients: In a heatproof tray or bowl, mix the sliced garlic, thinly sliced onion, carrot, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Season and Cook: Spray the mixture lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place it in the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Blend the Sauce: Add the basil sprig or basil leaves to the cooked vegetables and blend until smooth. Set the tomato sauce aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of baking paper and gently pound them until they are about 2cm/¾ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tender meat. For tips on pounding chicken evenly, refer to this guide.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Increase the air fryer temperature to 205°C (401°F).
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each flattened chicken breast into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and most of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, turning them after 6 minutes to ensure even browning. The chicken should be golden and cooked through. For more air fryer cooking tips, check out this article.
3. Assemble and Finish
- Add Toppings: Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and top each breast with the prepared tomato sauce. Place slices of mozzarella on top, followed by a sprinkle of the reserved Parmesan cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled chicken breasts to the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with roughly chopped parsley leaves. Serve hot alongside your favorite pasta or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana
- Even Thickness: Ensuring the chicken breasts are evenly flattened promotes uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Customize the Sauce: Add your favorite herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce for extra depth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Who else loves crispy chicken with gooey cheese? Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana combines a crunchy panko coating with melty mozzarella, all prepared in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Try It Tonight!
Ready to transform your dinner routine? Give this Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana recipe a try tonight and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to share your results and let us know how it turns out!